Small-Group Walk, Official Guide

London Christmas Lights Guided Walking Tour. Rated 4.9 across 29 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $61.

Overview

This two hour walk from Love London Tours follows the Christmas illuminations across central London, starting outside Covent Garden underground station at 17:00 and finishing on Carnaby Street. A guide leads the way through Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, St. James's, Burlington Arcade, Bond Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street, with a short pause at each spot. Along the route the guide talks through English Christmas traditions, so there is context to go with the lights rather than just a route to follow.

The tour is built around the festive displays themselves. Every stop is free to enter, so there are no admission fees along the way, and the group is capped at 15 travellers. It suits visitors who want a structured evening route through the main lit up streets without having to plan one themselves, and who like a guide's commentary on the side.

It is worth being realistic about what the walk covers. One reviewer felt the route could be pieced together independently with a bit of research beforehand. Others found the guide's knowledge and the different perspective on the lights made the evening worthwhile. Comfortable shoes came up in the reviews, so plan footwear accordingly.

What's Included

Included

Professional Guide

Not Included

Optional gratuity
Food & Drinks
Pick-up & Drop-off
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Meet at Covent GardenMeet the guide outside the exit to Covent Garden underground station on Long Acre. The tour starts at 17:00.
Covent Garden stopThe first stop is Covent Garden, a 5 minute visit with free admission.
Trafalgar Square stopThe walk continues to Trafalgar Square for a 5 minute stop, free to enter.
St. James's stopA 3 minute stop in St. James's, with free admission.
Burlington Arcade stopThe group passes through Burlington Arcade, a 5 minute stop with free admission.
Bond Street stopBond Street is next, a 5 minute stop with free admission.
Regent Street stopThe walk then follows Regent Street, a 5 minute stop with free admission.
Finish at Carnaby StreetThe tour ends on Carnaby Street, about a 5 minute walk from Oxford Street underground station.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers have said about this walk.

Footwear. One reviewer's advice was blunt: wear comfortable shoes. The tour is on foot for two hours with stops spread across central London. Comfortable footwear is the one piece of kit that comes up directly in the reviews.
Crowds. One reviewer describes Christmas in this part of London as a sea of humanity. Anyone who dislikes packed pavements should factor that in.
Group feel. The group is limited to a maximum of 15 travellers. Reviews mention a knowledgeable guide and a fun festive walk, with interesting facts picked up along the way.
Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or plan something after the tour. The walk ends on Carnaby Street, close to Oxford Street underground station, which leaves options nearby for afterwards.
Photos. The 17:00 start fits an evening walk through the displays. Stops last only a few minutes each, so photo time is brief. Anyone wanting longer at a particular spot can return to it after the tour finishes.
Weather. This is an outdoor walking tour, so the weather on the day matters. The tour runs in the evening at 17:00. Check the forecast and prepare for whatever the day brings.

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met it can be cancelled, with travellers offered a different date or experience or a full refund. Cancellations by travellers within 24 hours of the start time are not refunded. One reviewer felt the walk offered poor value for money and said the same route could have been planned independently using information found online.

What To Decide Before You Go

What is included in the price?

A professional guide is included for the two hour walk. All the stops along the route are free to enter, so there are no admission fees during the tour.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts outside the exit to Covent Garden underground station on Long Acre, where the guide meets the group. The walk ends on Carnaby Street, about a 5 minute walk from Oxford Street underground station. The start time is 17:00.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

Yes. The listing states the tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, and that surfaces and transportation along the route are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed and the meeting point is near public transport. Most travellers can participate.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The listing does not set an age restriction and says most travellers can participate. The walk is short, at two hours, with stops of a few minutes each. The listing also states the tour is pushchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

A full refund is available if the booking is cancelled at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. The tour also requires a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled because that minimum is not met, travellers are offered a different date or experience or a full refund.

How big is the group and how long is the walk?

The tour lasts two hours and has a maximum of 15 travellers. It covers Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, St. James's, Burlington Arcade, Bond Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street, with short stops at each. Reviews suggest comfortable shoes and note heavy Christmas crowds.